Whether a child has complex medical needs and disabilities requiring specialized medical care and accessible accommodations, or they need a humane path to asylum and a safe place to live – ALL children belong in their communities with the families who love them.
The administration's zero-tolerance immigration policy has resulted in more than 2,000 children being taken from their families and detained. The new executive order does not include reunification of these children with their families, and could even result in the indefinite detention of more children.
The trauma inflicted on these children does serious, long-term harm. As parents and caregivers who work hard every day to advocate for vulnerable children, we stand firmly against any policy that hurts any child from anywhere. We're proud to be one of more than 100 organizations partnering with Families Belong Together.
We hope you will stand with us. Here's how:
Attend an event on June 30th
In Washington D.C. and in communities across the U.S. there will be hundreds of rallies, vigils, marches, and other events on June 30th to show solidarity with families of immigrants and protest policies that harm them. Find an event near you.
Join our Virtual Rally!
If you're unable to physically attend an event because of caregiving, disability, or any other reason, you can still participate and show your support! Listed below are five great ways to get involved and make your voice heard. Be sure to share your action(s) with your social network using the hashtag #FamiliesBelongTogether
1. Contact your legislators
Has your legislator spoken out against these inhumane immigration policies, which have been condemned by the UN and called "government sanctioned child abuse" by the president of the American Academy of Pediatrics? If they have, thank them. If they have not, let them know how you feel.
Call the Congressional switchboard at 202-224-3121 or use Indivisible's call tool. It connects you with your law makers, provides helpful sample scripts for calls with Republican and Democratic offices, and even allow you to share how the call went.
2. Get together with your family for a photo
Print this page and take a photo with your family to share the message - FAMILIES BELONG TOGETHER! Share it on social media (you could even make it your profile picture!) and don't forget to hashtag #FamiliesBelongTogether and tag @LittleLobbyists, too!
3. Give kids a colorful way to support kids
Children torn from their families could really use some friends right now. Who better than our kids to share the importance of family with legislators? Print this coloring page for your child (or even yourself!) to decorate and fill with a drawing or photo of your family being together. Mail it to the legislator you think needs to get this message. To find your legislator's address, click here. Don't forget to snap a photo of the finished masterpiece to share with us on Facebook, Twitter, or via email at contact@littlelobbyists.org
4. Join the Families Belong Together Media Feed
Share your photo, coloring page, or message of support here to be added to the official #FamiliesBelongTogether media feed via tumblr.
5. Be "Extra"
But wait, there's more!
- Add your name to MoveOn's petition with Natalie Portman
- Show your support with a T-shirt, button, or other great swag
- Check in with Little Lobbyists on Facebook and Twitter for more updates and actions.
- Are you part of an organization you think should join us as a partner? Learn more about how to get involved here.